Grand Mere State Park
Grand Mere is a great park for a summer hike because when you get to the end of your journey you can dive into the blue waters of Lake Michigan. We parked in the lot between the two lakes and took the half-mile hike through the stunning (and piping hot) coastal dune sand to the water to swim and have lunch. After enjoying the water, some sandwiches, and trying to toss grapes across the beach into each other's mouths, we hiked our way back to the car. Middle Lake offers a boat launch, and in the summer, you will find kayakers and boaters looking for big bass and panfish. Although Grand Mere is a little further south than some might like to venture, it’s definitely worth the visit to hike, fish, swim, and enjoy everything else the park has to offer.